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My Life as a Solo-preneur

Posted on June 30, 2016.

This is the first in a series from guest blogger, Jessica Fox, on the joys and challenges of entrepreneurship.

There are pros and cons to just about every job, but being self-employed is pretty awesome. I’ve been a freelance writer for several years (and before that a boutique owner), so I’m accustomed to the constant fear of being without income.

I am not attempting humor here – that nagging worry is one you have to accept and make a little cage for so it can only growl impotently instead of bite. Beyond the wilderness of what-will-I-do-without-money, the landscape turns pleasantly hilly. Though it’s unclear what’s around the corner and the going is unpredictable, it’s an enjoyable adventure.

When you work from home, it’s true you can stay in your PJs. However, my office dress code is wear-something-you-won’t-be-embarrassed–answering-the-door-in. This is directly affected by how busy I am. For example, if I ride in the morning (more on that later), I might spend all day at my laptop, one boot on, one boot off, stinking of horse. While I would feel awkward signing for a UPS package with smears of horse goo on my clothes and face, getting work done on time is more important than a shower. Or lunch. Or dinner. Or relaxing on the couch with my husband.

Which brings me to one of my favorite things about being a Solo-preneur. You are queen of your schedule. Mostly. I regularly work on the weekends and late hours to accommodate my clients’ writing needs, because to say no is to potentially disappoint a customer and possibly lose them. For some Solo-preneurs, this can-do cycle creates a work-life balance vacuum. My passion for writing is equaled only by a lifelong, crazy-town obsession with horses. Also, riding is essential to my ability to think critically and mitigate the writing of rubbish. Thus, several times a week, I get up at an unreasonably early hour to get my horse fix and then balance that with a later workday.

The best thing about being a Solo-preneur, however, is the work. I absolutely love figuring out what people want and then delivering. I love helping small businesses find the words. I love knowing that success or failure is all up to me. Also, it’s pretty cool to be able to walk our dogs whenever I want.